The soldier bug (Spilostethus pandurus) is a seed bug commonly found across much of Europe, as well as parts of Africa and Asia. Belonging to the family Lygaeidae, it feeds mainly on the seeds of a wide range of plants, including crops and toxic species such as oleander. I often encounter this insect in a variety of habitats, although many other true bugs (Hemiptera) share a similar shape and coloration. These photos were taken on Spetses Island on a sunny afternoon.